Do you have a sump pump in your basement? If so, you already know that this type of equipment is designed to help remove flood water from your home and transport it to a place where it can drain safely and properly. Some of the most common causes of sump pump failure include:

Getting the Wrong Size

It is important to choose the right sized sump pump for your basement. Many times, a smaller sump pump will do the same job as a larger one, so it’s better to go for a smaller model. If you select one that is too large, it will end up working harder, which will decrease its lifespan. An improperly sized sump pump is also more likely to be installed incorrectly, which can also lead to failure.

Experiencing a Power Failure

Power outages are some of the most common causes of sump pump failure. If your home’s power goes out during a storm or as a result of some sort of damage, then your sump pump might stop working properly. It’s a good idea to have a backup generator that you can use in case of power failure.

Neglecting Maintenance

Just like the other equipment in your home, your sump pump requires some maintenance to keep it running properly. This includes running it every two to three months and having a yearly inspection before the rainy season starts. It is also a good idea to replace the battery on your backup sump pump after two or three years to make sure it will continue working properly. Without these maintenance steps, your sump pump can have a higher risk of experiencing failure.

If you notice any of these signs of sump pump failure, then you can call the professionals at Ace Plumbing for help. Our Sacramento plumbing services can help homeowners keep their homes and families safe and sound. Call us at (916) 455-4548 to learn more about our plumbing repair services.

Pipes, drains, water heaters, sewer lines, and septic tanks are all essential elements of plumbing in your Sacramento home. But there is one device that many homeowners think little about until it stops working: the sump pump. In fact, some homes are not even equipped with one at all. Read on to learn what a sump pump does and why it’s important to have one in your home.

Basic Sump Pump Function The purpose of a sump pump is to keep your home from flooding. Sump pumps should be installed by a qualified plumber in a basin in your basement. The basin should sit several feet below floor level. Water levels in the basin fluctuate with groundwater levels, and when the water reaches a certain height the pump will switch on to lower the water level before flooding can occur.

Types of Sump Pump Sump pumps can use one of two basic designs. The first is the submersible pump, which sits inside the basin and directly monitors the water level. The second is the pedestal pump, which is located next to the basic, and monitors water level via an attached sensor inside the basin. Generally, pedestal pumps will last longer than submersible pumps. Both should be serviced by a plumbing professional at least once a year.

Sump Pump Drainage The sump pump needs somewhere to send the excess water it drains from your home. Often, older homes have sump pumps that drain through the sewer line. This is not a good idea, however, as it can lead to a clogged drain and expensive professional drain cleaning bills, and even a sewage backup inside your home. Have a plumber re-route your sump pump drainage line into the storm sewers or other drainage ditches, not the municipal sewer line.

At Ace Plumbing of Sacramento , we offer complete sump pump service, including installation, service, and repair. To schedule an appointment with one of our certified, licensed plumbers, call (866) 999-4703 today.